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Umpire Mang looks ahead
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
As he heads into his second season as a professional baseball umpire, Austintown native John Mang, Jr., 26, will see his schedule swell from 80 to 150 games.
It’s just one of a myriad of things for which the Fitch High School graduate has had to prepare for in the offseason.
While speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s luncheon meeting at Luciano’s Banquet Center, Mang noted that he will report to spring training in Orlando on March 13, spending three weeks with two major league clubs.
Then he will be off to his new destination — the Midwest League, a long-season Class A league.
“Last year was a lot of fun and a season that really opened my eyes,” said Mang of his stint with teh New York-Penn League. “I was fortunate to umpire games locally prior to heading to umpire school because there is no doubt in my mind that we have some of the very best officials locally; not just in baseball but in all sports.”
Encouraged to pursue his professional umpiring dream by late friend and MLB umpire Wally Bell, Mang attended the Harry Wendlestedt Umpiring School for five weeks last winter.
Of the 300-plus hopefuls attending the school, Mang was one of just 20 designated for assignment with the league that includes the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
“When it comes to officiating I’ve had some great role models with the first being my father,” Mang said, “When I found out that I was selected, I called my parents first and then Wally.
“Wally was such a great help and mentor over the years. His passing only gives me extra motivation to do well and make everyone proud.”
Mang and umpiring partner David Arrietawere selected to work the New York-Penn League’s All-Star Game last season.
“Life on the road is like a marriage,” Mang said. “You’re with your partner 24/7 as you work together, travel together and do most everything as a team.
“Once I got over his snoring like a train, we worked really well and everything else just fell into place.”
During the offseason Mang kept in shape by working at Planet Fitness and refereeing basketball games.
While local umpires might work 20-25 games behind the plate during a summer season, Mang is bracing himself for at least 75 games.
“Over the next three weeks, there is so much to accomplish,” Mang said. “I’ll be working with the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves’ camps and hope to learn from my fellow umpires, especially those that are in the Class AA and AAA ranks.
“While I’ve had an opportunity to learn quite a bit from local Major League Baseball umpires John Hirschbeck and Brian O’Nora, it’s also good to meet and get to know other umpires at the various levels of play.”
With instant replay expanding, the timing could be right for Mang to make yet another move up the ladder.
“I do not have my schedule; however, the league meeting takes place April 1 and then everyone will get their assignments,” Mang said. “With six umpires promoted to work replay, it’s a good time right now for movement within the professional umpiring ranks.”